Warning by English over super city rail projects

Finance Minister Bill English is sending more warning signals over plans for major rail projects under the new Auckland Council.

Mayor-elect Len Brown has already raised the idea with Prime Minister John Key, who says the Government is already spending $5 billion on infrastructure projects in the region, but is open to discussion.

Mr English told Nine to Noon he's not in a position to rule anything in or out as the proposals are still "airy fairy".

He said that from the experience of owning KiwiRail, rail is horrendously expensive, so Auckland will have to carefully consider where it puts its dollars.

Mr English said the Government has bigger priorities than potentially uneconomic public transport projects in Auckland.